Dishwasher Spray Vane Control for Targeted Tableware Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dishwashing machines lack the ability to detect and efficiently target the location of tableware within the washing tub, leading to inefficient water spray distribution and potential missed cleaning areas.
Innovation Solution
A dishwashing machine equipped with a movable vane and detection system using light or ultrasonic waves to detect tableware, allowing the controller to generate position information and adjust the spray water distribution for precise targeting and efficient cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a fixed spray system is used without detection, then the device complexity is low, but the cleaning precision and water utilization efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The detection part performs preliminary detection of tableware positions before the spray operation begins. The controller stores position information and uses it to pre-adjust the vane positions, ensuring that when spraying starts, the vanes are already in optimal positions to direct water onto the tableware, thereby improving cleaning precision without requiring complex real-time adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The detection part continuously detects tableware positions and provides feedback to the controller. The controller adjusts the vane positions based on this feedback information, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains high cleaning precision even as tableware positions may shift during operation
2Productivity
If washing water is sprayed uniformly across the washing tub, then the device complexity is low, but the water utilization efficiency and cleaning effectiveness worsen due to missed areas and water waste
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of uniform spraying, the system applies water locally and selectively to areas where tableware is detected. The controller adjusts each vane's position to direct spray only at detected tableware locations, ensuring concentrated cleaning effort where needed and eliminating water waste in empty areas, thereby improving both cleaning efficiency and water utilization
Solution Approach 2:
The vane positions are dynamically adjusted based on detected tableware positions. The system transitions from a static uniform spray pattern to a dynamic targeted spray pattern, allowing the spray distribution to adapt in real-time to the actual tableware arrangement, improving cleaning effectiveness and reducing water waste
3Adaptability or versatility
If the vane is stationary, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability to different tableware positions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The vane is made movable rather than stationary, allowing it to change position in response to detected tableware locations. The driving part enables the vane to rotate or adjust its angle, providing adaptability to different tableware arrangements while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure that does not require complex mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The movable vane serves multiple functions: it can be positioned to target different tableware locations, adjust spray angles for various tableware orientations, and adapt to different washing scenarios. This single movable component provides universal adaptability across多种tableware configurations without requiring multiple specialized spray devices
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system ensures intensive water spray directly at the tableware location, enhancing cleaning efficiency and reducing water waste by dynamically adjusting the vane movement based on detected tableware positions and water conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a light detector installed at the vane and configured to receive light irradiated from a light emitter or reflected by the tableware
Implementation Method 2
an ultrasonic detector installed at the vane and configured to detect an ultrasonic wave irradiated from an ultrasonic emitter or reflected by the tableware
Implementation Method 3
the reflector may have a curvature so as to reflect the light or the ultrasonic wave being incident toward the detection part
Data Source
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AI summary
A dishwashing machine is provided to include at least one spray part spraying washing water, a vane provided to be movable and deflecting the sprayed washing water, a rack accommodating tableware to be washed by the washing water deflected by the vane, a detection part detecting the tableware accommodated in the rack, and a controller generating position information with respect to the tableware detected by the detection part and controlling an operation of at least one of the at least one spray part and the vane based on the generated position information.